Menu

Home » Wedding Dance » Father and Daughter Dance: More Than Just Walking the Bride down The Aisle

Father and Daughter Dance: More Than Just Walking the Bride down The Aisle

While the father and daughter dance has been a tradition long observed in Western weddings, history failed to elaborate its roots. Some may claim that it manifests paternal dominance although it might just be another sweet opportunity for the bride to take a moment with her dad on the dance floor. What are the odds that you’ll get the chance to dance with your father on a special day?

Sure, daddy has a lot on his shoulders the moment his daughter decides to tie the knot. Aside from walking his “little girl turned bride” down the aisle, he will have to take the dance floor with the bride for the traditional father and daughter dance. He might have two left feet, but he isn’t likely to fail his daughter on her wedding day.

Practice makes perfect, don’t miss rehearsals

When you’re not confident with your dancing skills, as well as your dad’s, perhaps you’ll be better off rehearsing your special dance several times. Such an idea sounds even more practical when you’re staying at your parent’s house. It wouldn’t hurt to ask your father to dance with you once in a while to get acquainted with the father and daughter dance.

If you prefer to do a formal dance with your dad, you better be ready to pour out some extra time and effort. A formal father and daughter dance will need scheduled rehearsals choreographed by a professional unless you want to revive the dance choreography in your sister’s wedding two or three years ago. Among the many popular formal dances ideal for the bride and her dad are waltz, foxtrot, and swing.

Feel free to simply wing it should natural dancing skills run in the family. It would be a convenient option in case your father is not in town to do some quick rehearsals prior to your big day. Besides, it’s not that complicated to sway to the tune of your dad’s favorite country song. As long as you were able to share that special moment with your father, you’re definitely right on track.

Time for change, take the place next to the groom

What’s next after the bride dances with the groom? The father of the bride takes his daughter’s hand to get a chance to dance with daddy’s grown-up girl. Not only that, the groom will briefly exit to take the mother of the bride for a dance. With the two pairs taking the dance floor, it’s like welcoming the newly-weds to the bride’s family.

As much as the father of the bride, the groom’s dad will also have his chance to dance with his daughter-in-law. It will also be the moment when the groom takes the hand of his mother for a dance. This time, it’s the parents of the groom stepping on the limelight to welcome the new couple in the family. Dealing with in-laws isn’t that bad on the dance floor after all.

Once dancing with the groom’s parents is over, it’s the turn of the best man to dance with the bride. That will also signal the groom to take the hand of the maid of honor or matron of honor for a dance. After the fourth dance, the entourage and the entire bridal party are expected to share the dance floor with the wedding couple. Guests are also free to join the merriment welcoming the couple to the community.

By all means, redefine the rules of the game

Who says you can’t skip some dances? There are instances when the bride can’t do the father and daughter dance for some reason. Whether the bride got some cold feet all of a sudden or she’s preoccupied by some paternal issues, she can always forego the second dance with her father. Many other fun alternatives are available to keep the celebration going.

A group dance with the bride’s family will be perfect instead of a father and daughter dance. The newlyweds get to dance with the bride’s father, mother, and siblings all at the same time. As for the third dance, the couple can dance with the groom’s family. They may also choose to skip dancing exclusively with their families but instead dance with the entire entourage, bridal party, and guests.

Although it’s not a taboo to miss the father and daughter dance, the couple should take a moment to pay their respects to the bridal party especially to their parents. Perhaps the bride and the groom can buy some time to engage in a short conversation with their parents after their special dance. Daddy would love to exchange thoughts with her little girl before she settles down with her husband in their family home.

Still, the father and daughter dance is more than a Western tradition with no known roots. It’s a rewarding experience to be cherished by the bride and her father at the end of the day. Again, how often do you get the chance to dance with your father?

About Mannette Plana

A wife and mother of three who enjoys writing about wedding topics. She fully understands the many challenges in planning a wedding and hopes her writing can provide helpful suggestions for a smooth wedding.